8 tips to decorate your home this Christmas by Kelly Hoppen

I adore Christmas, from the beautiful decorations that adorn my tree, to hosting the family around the table for the festive feast, it is a magical and special time of year to spend with love ones, says Kelly Hoppen MBE.

When it comes to decorating the home, I feel that each room should be touched with a sprinkle of Christmas cheer. So here are my tips to help give your home a stylist festive makeover.

Do not be afraid to have fun and mix textures and colours around your home. I personally like to display decorations with colours matching my tree (my personal favourites being silver and white). Fairy lights are a great way to add a beautiful magical ambience and are not just for the tree! Decorate pieces of furniture or use within your table to add a glittering look.

With the nights drawing in and numerous guests to entertain, I like to keep an inviting home. Burning a fire is a sure way to enhance the atmosphere, and draw guests in with warmth. I love making use of my fireplace, not only for function but because they can be decorated gorgeously to become a focal point in the living room. Try placing christmassy trinkets, garlands or “home jewellery” on the mantel piece to really adorn the space.

I tend to mix up cushions and throws in various materials such as wool and velvet. Using a combination of soft, sumptuous textures such as these really adds a touch of luxury and provides that extra comfort for a cosy, festive feel. Some other fabrics I like to use are cashmere and faux fur.

The rich scents of Christmas always remind me of nostalgic times with my cherished family at Christmas. My Winter Spice Scents candle collection, encapsulates what this time of year means to me. It is infused with sweet cinnamon, clove, subtle fruit accords and a dash of orange. I like to place those candles on on a tray, such as the Lacquer Display Tray and place them a bit everywhere in the house. Aside from the festive fragrance you will also get a beautiful glow as it gets darker outside.

To me, decorating the tree is the most important part, a privileged moment with your loved ones. I tend to keep it simple by using one colour scheme and lots of fairy lights to dress your tree with a special twinkle spirit. Keeping to a classic theme, add in personal touches such as vintage baubles or home made decorations with sentimental meaning to make your tree unique to you and give it character. Let your creativity shine throughout and reflect what Christmas is about for you.

The table is such a focal part of the day, a place where family and friends come together. No Christmas table is complete without beautiful, sparkling glassware and my stunning Capri collection features a graduated smoky taupe tint for a stylish design and refined finish. Using seasonal vegetables and fruit as part of your centrepiece will also give the table a wonderful organic feel. Add to the display by placing a variation of witches balls and oversized baubles on your Christmas dining table. Either sprinkle down the centre of the table or place in a glass bowl for a simple yet high impact touch.

I love all of the traditional christmas decorations and absolutely adore using wreaths at Christmas time. Placing a big, beautiful wreath on the front door displays that festive spirit is a wonderful welcome for guests. Pussy willow and northern pine is an elegant combination that gives a classic look. Add a modern twist to using Holly, by adding a sprig to a large vase or mix foliage and Holly in my Ando Ribbed Metal Bowl for added colour.

I prefer to use neutral tones when it comes to table linen. My Zen tableware offers a ‘mix and match’ option. You can enhance a table with a linen display down the centre of the table or laid horizontally as a pair, then use layers of silver such as statement napkin rings like the Massai Napkin Rings for an extra Christmas touch.

I hope you have a wonderful time over the festive period, enjoying quality time with your friends and loved ones. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015.

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